What to Ask a Trainer Before Working With Them

Many people believe that having a good physique qualifies them to be a personal trainer. If you are a certified personal trainer and have done the requirements to legally become one, you know how frustrating and insulting it is when someone says they can be a personal trainer because they workout. There are endless conditions and special populations trainers are safely taught to work with to help clients reach their goals without increasing their risk for injury. 

Some important questions you should ask a trainer before you agree to work with them:

Are you a certified personal trainer?

If the answer is no, RUN. It is required by law to have a certification in personal training in every state. If you are not certified and injury a client, you can be held accountable and even sued if the client can prove you were at fault. 

What are your areas of specialty? 

Most people will reply with "I can train anyone" because they are afraid of turning away business. The reality is, if you market to everybody, you market to nobody. Picking a specialty is very important because it allows the trainer to zone in and learn tons of information on one specific category of fitness, which will make them much more equipped to work with those types of people than other trainers are. If they tell you they train all types of clients, seek a trainer who specializes in what your goals are. For example, I focus on weight loss and muscle building. If a client came to me and is looking for a program to help them excel in running, I would refer them to a trainer who specializes in running. 

How will you help me reach my short and long term goals? 

If you don't ask this question, many trainers won't bring it up. Tracking goals is super important because it is the reason a client wants to work with a trainer to begin with. If you constantly train without measuring your goals along the way, how will you know if you're making any progress? This cycle can go on for a long time and before a client knows it, they've spent tons of time and money investing in a trainer who has failed to help them reach their goals. 

How will you create my customized program?

Some trainers feel this is a trick question, when it is not at all. Many trainers love to assign workouts to clients that they perform themself because they see results from it. Not everyone has the same goals, therefore not everyone will have the same program. Everyone is unique in their own ways such as; experience, exercise ability, history, special conditions, and much more. Just because you go through a workout routine that works for yourself does not mean it will be applicable for your clients.

Do you view yourself as a trainer or a coach?

A trainer simply puts together a workout routine and guides a client through it. A coach is someone who goes above and beyond. I follow up with all of my clients on a weekly basis to see how they are feeling, how they are enjoying the program, and if they have any questions or concerns. A coach truly cares about the client they are working with, while a trainer sees them as an opportunity to earn money. Trainers go on their phones during a workout with their client, do not fully pay attention, and leave their clients unattended at times during the workout. If you are training with me, you will never see my phone. If I notice the smallest error in form I will correct it so you can see better results and avoid injury, and I would never allow a client of mine to perform a workout I created for them if I'm not present. 

These are some very important things to consider if you are looking to work with a personal trainer. You should definitely ask them these questions prior to working with them! In today's fitness industry everyone feels qualified to be a personal trainer, which is why it is very important you research a quality trainer before working with one. I hope these tips help you find a trainer who suits your needs and will help you reach your fitness goals safely!

Platinum Training offers local in person training, virtual training, and customized programs for those who do not need a trainer with them at all times. Feel free to fill out our google form or email us @platinum.train1@gmail.com if you have any questions!